We’ve reviewed plenty of SteelSeries accessories and peripherals in the past, and it’s generally my go-to choice for headsets these days. I was lucky enough to have reviewed both the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and the newer Arctis Nova Elite Wireless, both of which I still use today.
While I never got the chance to review the original Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 1 headset, I found it the perfect opportunity to jump on board with its newer Gen 2 revision. In many ways, this version is incredibly similar to its Gen 1 predecessor, yet a great headset in its own right.
So it’s really worth considering the upgrade, depending on what you already have. If you already have a Gen 1 Nova 7 Wireless, I would say stick with it. But if you’re looking to get into the higher end of the market, this might be a contender.
Design
From a design perspective, SteelSeries has been great at keeping their designs minimal and similar, and, in the case of the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2, virtually the same as its older sibling. This is in no way a bad thing, and I’ve been a fan of just how comfortable and lightweight these headsets feel over longer gaming sessions, thanks to the comfy memory foam earcups and the ski band on top, just below the headband.
I’m a huge advocate for that adjustable ski band, and feel as though, in conjunction with sturdy adjustable brackets, this fits easily on larger and smaller heads alike. Even at 325g, I would also consider this one of the lighter headsets on the market, which is a plus.
Around the right-hand side of the headset, you’ll find the dedicated power button, Bluetooth button, and a scrolling wheel that allows you to prioritise gameplay or chat audio accordingly.
On the left-hand side, you’ll find a mic mute button, a master volume scroll wheel, a 3.5mm line-in port and around the front, that sweet retractable boom mic, which is easily adjustable once out.
In the box, you’ll also get a 1.5m USB-C to USB-C cable for charging, a 1.5m female USB-C to male USB-A for connecting the dongle to your PC, and a 1.5m 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable.
If you’re already a fan or owner of one of these headsets, there’s not much to boast about here in the way of newer design features, but it’s is a perfect example of simply not fixing what isn’t already broken. It’s also worth noting here that the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is available in both Black and White.
Performance
From a performance perspective, the same 40 mm Neodymium Magnetic Drivers included in the Gen 1 headset are also featured here, so there’s really no difference in terms of sound quality. That being said, these drivers are still fantastic.
They provide awesome highs and mids, without the lack of any real distortion or overbearing bass. The bass can certainly be adjusted to your liking, but I found the standard ‘Flat’ EQ settings to be just right. I’d classify these as a premium headset, so at the very least, the audio is generally great.
You won’t find any noise-cancellation, though. While that’s a feature you find in the highest of headsets and only with certain brands, for example, the Arctis Nova Pro and Nova Elite here, I would also consider what you’re actually using your gaming headset for. If not for everyday use, then you might want to save some extra cash and invest in a separate noise-cancellation pair for when you’re out and about.
Beyond this, the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 provides both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.0 for individual or simultaneous connectivity, meaning it’s not only an incredibly versatile headset, compatible with virtually every platform, but one you can even connect to your phone while gaming to take phone calls, for example.
The included USB-C dongle is easy to plug in and connect, but the central plug means the adapter stretches out on either side, blocking the second USB-C port on my PS5. For the life of me, I can’t figure this one out, especially when the Arctis GameBuds adopted the L-shaped USB-C dongle design, which didn’t block that second port on my PS5.
The Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 also comes with what’s referred to as a Noise-Rejecting Mic, but more importantrly, is now 105 dB/mW compared to the 93 dB/mW on the Gen 1 mic. It’s a very minor improvement, but an improvement nonetheless.
Again, it’s worth noting that the directional mic quality, as it stands, is also very good. I’m currently in a household with a newborn, so I wouldn’t say there’s too much going on in the background, but this mic certainly carries voices just fine, sounding both clear and full.
Software
One of the bigger differences with the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is in its software compatibility. If you’re using this on console or mobile, really anywhere other than a PC, you now have access to the SteelSeries Arctis companion app, which allows you to customise your settings and adjust your EQ preferences on the fly.
You can also save separate EQ settings to both your 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth modes, meaning you can shake up your gaming and music listening sessions if you like. The only real downside is that while the mobile app works fine, the same way it does with other compatible Arctis headsets, you actually need to connect this to your PC to complete the initial outstanding firmware update anyway. So while it’s convenient after the fact, you’ll generally need a PC with the SteelSeries GG app to make sure this is up to scratch.
Adjusting your EQ settings is easy enough, thanks to a long list of pre-programmed EQ settings based on certain games, which can be adjusted on the fly.
There’s not much else to the mobile app, but it’s easy to navigate at the very least, even if it’s really dependent on your need or want to adjust and play around with various EQ settings.
Verdict & Value
Overall, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 isn’t really worth the upgrade if you own the Gen 1 version, but I urge everyone else to consider this as a worthy contender.
While it’s priced at the premium end of the market, you’re getting an incredibly sturdy, versatile headset with excellent sound quality and a reliable microphone that’s as easy to connect and use as it is to adjust and customise.
While there isn’t much to the Arctis companion app either, I do feel like these small updates have made a great headset that much better.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Fantastic audio; Easy to set up and use; Comfortable for long sessions; Great microphone
Lowlights: Not worth the upgrade for current Gen 1 users; USB-C dongle design will limit PS5 front ports
Manufacturer: SteelSeries
Price: A$429
Available: Now available at JB Hi-Fi and via the official SteelSeries website.
Review based on unit provided by SteelSeries.
